[Home] [Help] [Databases] [WorldLII] [Feedback] | ||
Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC) - Hot Topics |
On 1 June 1999, NSW Parliament passed amendments to the DeFacto Relationships Act 1984, extending the rights given to heterosexual couples to same sex couples and people in domestic relationships (eg. carers).
This issue of Hot Topics will provide an overview of these significant changes to the way the law now views the concept of a family and the history of law reform in this area.
In 1998, a number of new laws relating to juvenile justice came into force in NSW, including the Children (Protection and Parental Responsibility) Act 1997 and the Young Offenders Act 1997. Over 12 months later, this revised edition of Hot Topics
(first published in December 1997) will provide an update of the law in this area and a review of how the legislation
is operating.
In November 1999, Australians will vote in a referendum on whether to become a republic. This issue of Hot Topics will include a history and overview of the republican debate, a summary of the arguments for and against, the recommendat ions of
the Constitutional Centenary held in 1998, a discussion of the preamble, and of the implications for the States if
Australia does become a republic.
Debate around the Federal election held in October 1998 indicated that very few people fully understand Australia's parliamentary system. This Hot Topics provides an overview of Australia's political system, including a summary of the Constitution, the role and structure of parliament, an explanation of a range of issues relating to voting and elections and a timeline of important electoral developments.